How to lower a W-Body ( Gen 1, Gen 1.5 )

[19Cutlass94]

Since this is being brought up soo much, Im going to make this a one shot deal with where you can get all the parts you need and all the options to lower your W-Body!

This will be for 1st gen W-body's.

If you do not know what 1st gen is, look on the main page of this site ( www.w-body.com )



First we will start with the Front Suspension of your car. Here you have a few choices.


1st - Held Motorsports Coilovers
You can go with Held Motorsports Coilovers. Yes thats right Coilovers in the front of your W-Body. Held Motorsports' Coilovers can be found HERE:

http://www.heldmotorsports.com/WBody/index_1.htm

They come in 3 stages, but expect to pay more as the stage increase ( i.e. less for stage 1 and the most for stage 3 ) If you have any questions, e-mail THEM. They are good about getting back to you. I know. Ive e-mailed them several times. I am not sure if these come assembled or if you can assemble them to save money. These will replace your front strut assembly.

Another option for front coilovers is to have your own custom made. This will involve research on your part. Im not going to sit in front of the computer for hours search all the part and part numbers. Why, because I dont want them bad enough. Thats your job if you want them


2nd - Suspension Techniques

These are Front Lowering Springs. They can be bought through JC Whitney. HERE:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/I...21749610192661

Part number is 810113. These say that they will fit the '95-'99 Chevy Monte Carlo, but will fit the 1st gen suspension setup. Why because the front suspension is the EXACT same on these cars. Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5". Although almost every member has claimed Atleast 2" drop. Some near 3". ( which is just about what I have gotten from these. )


3rd - Eibach

These are also Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.7" drop.


4th - Intrax

Once again Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop.

I do believe that the Eibach and Intrax springs are now discontinued. Although still can be bought from another member/ebay, etc etc




Now moving to the Rear Suspension

Remember, although aftermarket parts can be bought, if it doesnt deal with lowering, Im NOT LISTING IT.


1st - Fast FWD Performance Coilovers

These kits are now discontinued. You can always purchase from a fellow member or ebay or wherever you can find them. They can be found HERE:

http://www.fastfwdperformance.com/coilovers.html

Since this link does not work anymore for the fact that no products are being made by FFP, You can still access install instructions by going HERE and clicking on How to Install Coil-Overs?

http://www.fastfwdperformance.com/

These will replace not only your rear struts, but your rear monoleaf. You will have to remove your mono-leaf to install these.

If you need new bushings for these coilovers, They can be found HERE: http://www.energysuspension.com/pages/sboots.html

The part number that you need is 3.6110

Here is a picture of what it looks like:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a...ture-05021.jpg

And here is the bushing installed on the spring:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a.../photo0031.jpg


2nd - Birchmount Rear Monoleaf

These will replace your stock monoleaf, and nothing else. I have heard about a 2" drop, although I have not known many people to buy these, and as of late, however they are a source to lower the ass end of your W-Body! I have heard that they will make you a mono-leaf to whatever drop you need. This will match your front nicely.

Contact Information:
Birchmount Auto Spring Company
458 Birchmount Road
Scarborough, ON
M1K1M6

Telephone: (416) 698-3636
Fax: (416) 698-5732


3rd - Held Motorsports

Like the FFP Coilovers, these are just like them. Coilovers for the rear of your car. More information can be found HERE:

http://www.heldmotorsports.com/WBody/index_1.htm

Just like the fronts ( from Held Motorsports as well ) they come in 3 stages. I am not sure if these come assembled or if you can assemble them to save money.

4th - FAF ( Flex-A-Form ) Monoleaf

This is similar to the birchmount in the fact that it replaces your rear monoleaf, nothing else.









If you want to make your own rear coilovers, here is a start for you:

There are many places you can buy these same exact parts. Such as www.Summitracing.com But this is just one place where you can find these parts.

Here is a list from www.summitracing.com List includes different spring rates for the 12"x2.5" coil-over springs
You will need to choose your spring rate from these springs.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294787535

List from www.summitracing.com for sleeves and adjuster nuts
You will need to choose the length of the sleeve. Normally a 7" sleeve will be more than enough for all the raising and lowering that one could do.
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294807119


Now that I have started you in this direction, you can do the rest if you would like!



















Now for the Gen 1.5 W-body's.

Again, if you do not know your generation, check out the main site ( www.w-body.com )

Once again, well start with the Front Suspension of your car.

1st - Held Motorsports Coilovers

You can go with Held Motorsports Coilovers. Yes thats right Coilovers in the front of your W-Body. Held Motorsports' Coilovers can be found HERE:

http://heldmotorsports.com/WBody/index_1.5.htm

They come in 3 stages, but expect to pay more as the stage increase ( i.e. less for stage 1 and the most for stage 3 ) If you have any questions, e-mail THEM. They are good about getting back to you. I know. Ive e-mailed them several times.

2nd - Suspension Techniques

These are Front Lowering Springs. They can be bought through JC Whitney, HERE:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...n%20techniques

Part number is 810113. These say that they will fit the '95-'99 Chevy Monte Carlo, which is the Gen1.5. Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5".

3rd - Eibach

These are also Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.3" drop. These can be found HERE. Remember!!!! These come in 2 pairs front and rear!!!

http://www.drivewire.com/performance...rloprokit.html


4th - Intrax

Once again Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop. These can be found HERE. Remember!!!! These come in 2 pairs front and rear!!!

http://www.drivewire.com/performance...ngsprings.html



Now moving to the Rear Suspension

Remember, although aftermarket parts can be bought, if it doesnt deal with lowering, Im NOT LISTING IT.

1st - Held Motorsports

Coilovers for the rear of your car. More information can be found HERE:

http://heldmotorsports.com/WBody/index_1.5.htm

Just like the fronts ( from Held Motorsports as well ) they come in 3 stages. Once again either call them or e-mail them to get pricing or with questions etc etc.

2nd - Suspension Techniques

These are Rear Lowering Springs. They can be bought through JC Whitney, HERE:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/I...21749710192663

Part number is 810114.Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5".

3rd - Eibach

These are also Rear Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.3" drop. These can be found HERE. Remember!!!! These come in 2 pairs front and rear!!!

http://www.drivewire.com/performance...rloprokit.html


4th - Intrax

Once again Rear Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop. These can be found HERE. Remember!!!! These come in 2 pairs front and rear!!!

http://www.drivewire.com/performance...ngsprings.html


*IMPORTANT NOTICE*

For all gen 1.5 W-Bodies, you can purchase all four springs in ONE set instead of buying them seperatly. Look for this as well and not just front and/or rear springs.









A search on this site for these products is recommended, however here are some searches for you:

Flex-A-Form Rear Monoleaf
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,29355.0.html

Make your own Coilovers
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,55194.0.html
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,51716.0.html

Thanks for the links Low'nSlow!

ST Front Lowering Springs
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,51247.0.html

Really, theres too many links to post. Its been talked about ALOT. Search and youll find whatcha need!



Lastly, here is a complete thread that is basically a walk through on overhauling the W-body suspension. Parts used in this 'overhaul' include;

- Front and Rear Held Coil overs (c/w KYBs)
- Held Motorsports Trailing arms w/ Poly bushings
- Held Motorsports Lateral links w/ poly bushings
- 7/8" G-max rear sway bar w/ poly bushings ( ADDCO swaybar )
- "Original Performance" Front end kit from P-S-T
- Aweb RSTB (in paint)
- Custom front STB

This thread is 13pages long, however it contains great information about the W-body suspension set up w/pictures. Which can be found here: http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,61157.0.html

Thanks to GTP_MuNkY

[97loudcut]

Nice

Aren't the Eibach front springs discontinued now though?

Also take into consideration that manual cars will get less of a drop out of the front with springs. The person who sold me the Eibach springs claimed he recieved little to no drop out of the Eibach's.. where as I am sure I got almost 2 full inches.

O yeah...I vote sticky

[5speedz34]

Nice

Aren't the Eibach front springs discontinued now though?

Also take into consideration that manual cars will get less of a drop out of the front with springs. The person who sold me the Eibach springs claimed he recieved little to no drop out of the Eibach's.. where as I am sure I got almost 2 full inches.

O yeah...I vote sticky

They've been discontinued for a while.

[pwmin]

thanks, its about time somebody did this...
<-----yells at self

fwiw, my car's stock gap w/ 5spokes and 225/60/16 tires was appx. 28" from the ground. after i lowered it w/ st springs and rear coilovers, it was appx. 25" from the ground on 245/45/16's.

FAF monoleaf (search).
quote from (tdaye): http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,29355.0.html
"i've got a flex-a-form spring in right now, I started with a 3 leaf steel spring but i didn't like the ride. I have got a total of 4 springs from George also. The trick is with George is to call him on the phone. I had the same problem with him not anwsering my emails. Call him on the phone and he was great with me and sent me another spring within 2 weeks each time.
depending on the height you want on the rear use these numbers.
his spring "300" (300lbs per square inch) gave my car 28" to center of the rear wheel well
his spring "250" gave my can a 27 1/2" (1 and 1/2" total drop)
now he is sent me a "200" and a "185" the "200 should give my car a 2" + drop and I think the "185" might be too low, but i'll let you know because I haven't installed it yet. Use these #'s if you plan to order from him and don't wanna change your spring 4 times...also call him on the phone don't email him!

QA1 springs from summitracing can be had for like $80 shipped per pair or $110 for progressive springs. any 12" length spring w/ a 2.5" ID will work with the sleeves and nuts you posted; i have also found a few other companies you can get them from (if youre interested in different colors), including eibach. you can also buy sleeves and nuts from afco, but their sleeves will require slight honing to fit over the shocks.

making your own coilovers:
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,55194.0.html
http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.ph...c,51716.0.html

[digitaloutsider]

How to lower a W-body

Wait a while.

Seriously though, thanks for the write-ups!

[19Cutlass94]

Thanks for the info guys, Im gonna try to put all the information into the first post. Just so that everything will be in one spot and wont have to search for it.

[Bake82]

To purchase a birchmount rear spring.

Birchmount Auto Spring Co

458 Birchmount Rd
Scarborough ON, M1K 1M6

Phone: 416-698-3636

Also it is a steel leaf that he makes when ordered. I believe they are in the range of $200 + ship. Also you can order with any amount of drop you want, you just need to specify what you want.

[slick]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

[95aquase]

how much do the S/T front springs lower the car??

[asonofabeach69]

The rear of my car already sits low enough, between my system, convertible top motor and a 14yr old monoleaf spring Its the front I need to lower to make the car look more even. This is great though, Im gonna look into some of these options.

[19Cutlass94]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

I have now started that. Ive some several listed right now, but if theres anything else, LMK

[slick]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

I have now started that. Ive some several listed right now, but if theres anything else, LMK

Nice!

[Euro]

wow that's a really good writeup!!!!!! I don't know why I didn't see this until now since it's been up for a little while lol. Too bad I don't have my Lumina anymore

[19Cutlass94]

Write up now includes Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 W-Body's. If there is anything I forgot to add please LMK!!!! Ill leave it at that for now until I get more information.

[Euro]

Ok so 1st gen Monte carlo lowering springs work on 93-95 Cutlass Supreme aswell? because if i can just get springs that will be way better.

only the front springs will work for your cutlass. The rear you need to choose between the choices Jay listed in the first post.